The holidays would not be complete without a show at The Vineyard Playhouse. Earl Hamner Jr.’s The Homecoming, adapted by Christopher Sergel and directed by M.J. Bruder Munafo, is back this year as part of the rotating repertory for The Playhouse’s annual family holiday show.

The Homecoming will run from Friday, Dec. 7 through Saturday, Dec. 22 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and on Sundays at 3 p.m. All shows will be performed at The Vineyard Playhouse at 24 Church street in downtown Vineyard Haven.

The Homecoming, which was the original inspiration for the popular television show The Waltons, is a heartwarming holiday tale about a family living in the Appalachian mountains in the 1930s. One Christmas Eve, the patriarch of the family is nowhere to be found and the brood is left to wonder, worry and await his return home. Told through the eyes of the oldest son Clay-Boy, The Homecoming is a classic story about family, community and the value of love and joy far outweighing that of any currency. The Homecoming is a perfect night out for the whole family and a great way to celebrate the holidays with your fellow Islanders.

The Homecoming is produced and directed by Ms. Munafo, the playhouse’s artistic director. The cast features Molly Purves as Olivia and Daniel Cuff as Clay-Boy, and includes performances by local actors Katharine Clarke, Carter D’Angelo, Nate D’Angelo, Kelly Gallagher, Jaime Harris, Christopher Kann, Jill Macy, Clark Maffitt, Chelsea McCarthy, Taylor McNeely, Tony Omer, Sarah Ortlip-Sommers, John Ortman, Daniel Lee Osleeb, Sam Oslyn, Sam Permar, Xavier Powers, Katherine Reid and Nancy Luedeman.

The stage manager is Kate Hancock and the set design is by Stephen M. Zablotny.

Performances are at 7 p.m. on Fridays Dec. 7, 14 and 21 and on Saturdays Dec. 8, 15 and 22. There will be two matinees at 3 p.m. on Sundays Dec. 9 and 16.

Tickets can be purchased in advance over the phone or in person on the day or night of the show if available. Tickets are $17.50 for adults, $15 seniors and $12.50 children age 18 and under.

The running time of the show is under two hours. The theatre is handicapped accessible. For reservations and information, call 508-696-6300 or visit the Web site, vineyardplayhouse.org.